Analysis
A debt load of roughly $26,000 for finance training that leads to estimated first-year earnings around $57,000 creates a manageable financial foundationβthe 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could reasonably tackle their loans within a few years of starting their careers. Based on comparable finance programs in Oklahoma, this earnings estimate sits right at the state median, which means Southern Nazarene appears competitive with larger public universities like Oklahoma State, though it trails the state's top performers (OU and Tulsa grads typically earn $10,000-15,000 more initially). The estimated debt figure comes from similar private institutions nationally and falls slightly above Oklahoma's typical $22,000 median for finance programs.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, affordability matters enormously, yet we're working entirely with estimatesβneither the earnings nor debt figures reflect actual outcomes from Southern Nazarene's finance graduates specifically. What peer programs suggest is a reasonable investment, but parents need to understand they're making decisions without verified data points. If your child is choosing between this program and one of Oklahoma's larger universities with reported outcomes, those schools offer clearer pictures of what to expect. Southern Nazarene may deliver comparable value, but you'll need to verify career support, alumni networks, and job placement assistance directly with the school to feel confident about that $26,000 investment.
Where Southern Nazarene University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,600 | $56,916* | β | $25,812* | β | |
| $9,595 | $66,904* | $74,997 | $19,550* | 0.29 | |
| $48,602 | $65,012* | $73,931 | $20,250* | 0.31 | |
| $10,234 | $56,916* | $72,317 | $22,060* | 0.39 | |
| $8,522 | $50,151* | $53,975 | $24,793* | 0.49 | |
| $7,513 | $45,998* | β | $22,500* | 0.49 | |
| National Median | β | $53,590* | β | $23,332* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Southern Nazarene University, approximately 45% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in OK. Actual outcomes may vary.